Ford F-150 drive modes and their functions

Ford F-150 has various drive modes that you can select for different driving conditions. Depending on the drive mode that you select, the system adjusts various vehicle settings.

Drive mode control adjusts vehicle configuration on F-150 for each mode you select. Changing the drive mode changes the functionality of the steering system to adjust the steering effort and feel. The stability and traction control assist your vehicle control in adverse conditions or high-performance driving.

When enabled, throttle control enhances the powertrain response, transmission controls become optimized with shift schedules, and four-wheel drive settings are optimized and tuned to each mode.

Changing the drive mode engages or disengages the electronic locking differential. Changing the drive mode changes the four-wheel drive modes to be the default, available or not available.

Selecting Drive Mode

Rotate the drive mode control on the center console in Ford F-150 to select or change a drive mode.

Deep Snow/Sand

For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow on your Ford F-150. This mode optimizes accelerator pedal response, traction and stability controls to help maintain forward momentum. If your vehicle becomes stuck in deep conditions, use this mode to help get unstuck.

Four-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is selectable in deep snow/sand mode.

Warning: Do not use this mode when driving on pavement or packed snow. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.

Eco

For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase driving range on Ford F-150.

Two-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in eco mode.

Mud/Ruts

For off-road driving. This mode enhances F-150’s performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.

Four-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is selectable in mud/rut mode.

Warning: Do not use this mode when driving on pavement or packed snow.

Rock Crawl

For off-road driving and optimum rock-climbing. Rock crawl mode engages the electronic locking differential on Ford F-150. Rock crawl mode optimizes the throttle and transmission response to provide you additional control of your vehicle.

Four-wheel drive low is the only four-wheel drive mode available in rock crawl mode.

Slippery

For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. This mode can be used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.

Four-wheel drive auto is the default four-wheel drive mode. Two-wheel drive high is not available in slippery mode.

4×4 vehicles with Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly: Four-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable in slippery mode.

Warning: Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement.

Sport

For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel on Ford F-150. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster.

Four-wheel drive auto is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in sport mode.

4×4 vehicles with Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly: Two-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in sport mode.

Tow/Haul

For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load on Ford F-150. This mode moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a grade. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal.

All four-wheel drive modes are selectable in tow/haul mode. This mode does not default to a certain four-wheel drive mode.

Trail (4×2 only)

Trail mode is for off-road driving on muddy, rutted, soft or uneven terrain on Ford F-150 vehicles. This mode lowers throttle response to increase wheel spin to keep the tires clear and to prevent getting stuck.

Normal

For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle on Ford F-150.

Two-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable when in normal mode.